Downes up for challenge

  • by Staff Writer
  • Friday, 11th March 2011

Wally Downes has called upon West Ham to remain unbeaten for the remainder of the season.

The first team coach, speaking to TalkSport this morning said: "We've got nine games left and they're nine Cup ties - we've got to win them all.

"The target for us is to go to the end of the season unbeaten; if we can do that I think we stay up for sure. It's a great target for us to set now, ten games to go, unbeaten last quarter of the season.

"We've just come back from a little break in Portugal , four days in the sun with some nice training facilities. Everyone's fine and raring to go."

The first test comes at the Brittania Stadium on Sunday afternoon when West Ham take on Stoke in the FA Cup quarter final.

Although West Ham remain unbeaten against the Potters this season - having won two and drawn one of the three previous meetings - Downes warned his players against complacency going into a tie where victory will be rewarded with a trip to Wembley.

"Our boys are confident having beaten them last week but then against it's going to be a revenge mission for them," he said. "The law of averages says you're not going to beat every team, every time.

"But we're full of confidence going in[to the game]. We're on a good run, they'll be wounded from last Saturday so it's got all the ingredients for a great Cup game."

Downes on Demba

"He sees that goal and he's straight at it; he's route one, the boy. He gets the ball and he's looking to shoot or head it. Anything to score a goal with that fella.

"He's not too interested in build-up play althogh he's good at it. He gets on the end of things and he wants to make things happen in the box, which is fabulous for us."

Downes on Der Hammer

"I think his pedigree speaks for itself. 50-odd caps for Germany, the German captain - it was like signing a player on the transfer window.

"He's come in and the players have responded to him coming in and he's responded to the player's efforts. It's a really good mix at the moment."

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